Five Questions for… Eva-Britt Svensson
Eva-Britt Svensson, member of the European Parliament and chair of its Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee, played an instrumental role in securing the Parliament’s majority endorsement of the Say NO campaign in 2009. (Photo: UNIFEM)
16 April 2010
Eva-Britt Svensson is a member of the European Parliament, the chair of its Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee and a survivor of domestic violence. She played an instrumental role in securing the Parliament’s majority endorsement of the Say NO campaign in 2009. This was followed by a parliamentary resolution on eliminating violence against women and a call by the European Council in its 2010-2014 Stockholm Programme to improve legislation and support for survivors of violence. In March 2010, Ms. Svensson chaired a parliamentary public hearing on an EU-wide strategy to combat violence against women, and joined a celebration of Say NO - UNiTE achievements at the UN Commission on the Status of Women. She shared her reflections in a follow-up interview in mid-April.
What difference has Say NO made within the European Union?
It has had a lot of impact. The issue of gender-based violence has come into focus in the European Parliament, in EU institutions and in 27 member states. When people saw the campaign and my declaration about it in Parliament, they realized how big this problem is. More knowledge has led to more discussion about the actions needed to stop it. Members of Parliament are more engaged not only in Parliament, but also in their home countries, both women and men.
What's the most important action that the EU should take, right now, to end violence against women?
I and other members of the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee have demanded a new directive on stopping all forms of violence against women. This would then become a common law that would apply to all EU member states. We also have proposals for a common European protection order and a single emergency number, so that women can find support regardless of what country they live in.
Given that a quarter of women in Europe still face some form of gender-based violence, what stands in the way of faster progress?
It is difficult to have an answer for all EU members. Some states have implemented good laws on violence and a lot of women now go to the police. But in others, this is not the case.
How has your personal experience with domestic violence fuelled your activism on gender-based violence?
I want to show other women that you can not only survive, but also build a good life for yourself and your children. When you live in these relations, you feel ashamed and think it is your fault. Women need to know that it is not their fault. It is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a crime, and you must leave the abuser and go to the police, if necessary. I decided when I survived that I would keep on showing that it was not my fault, and that I would go on with my political work. I’m proud of what I’m doing.
Why is it important for survivors to become activists?
Other women feel that you know what you are talking about. It is easier for them to trust you and take advice. I’m so happy that I survived. I couldn’t believe that I did. Now sometimes I feel very strong. I want to shout all over the world, “Look at me. It’s possible!”
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